Synopsis

Oil: From Oil Rig to Petrol Pump by Michael Bright

The vast majority of today's transport depends on fuel that comes from oil. Hundreds of thousands of items we use every day - from trainers to medicines - come from or use products that come from oil. But where does oil come from - and what happens when this ancient resource runs out? Oil is one of the most important resources to man today. It was discovered many thousands of years ago and has become central to the transport and petrochemical industries. Find out about the origins of oil - from its first discovery to its first use in industry. Learn how it is found, mined and processed into many different products that are used all over the world today - including petrol that we fill our cars with each day. Finally, consider the disasters that have resulted from the drilling, transportation and use of oil, as well as its future: what will happen when the oil finally runs out? We look at the advantages and disadvantages of oil, and the possible industry alternatives. Source to Resource is an incredibly valuable series in today's fast-paced world where natural resources are in such constant demand. Many people don't stop to think about where these resources come from and the journey they take from the raw material or element to the useful product that reaches us at home, school or work. Source to Resource provides that information as well as the chance to stop and think about our use of resources and the implications of the use of these for future generations. Other titles in the Source To Resource series include: From Field to Plate From Raindrop to Tap From Sunshine to Light Bulb

About the Author

Michael Bright has worked as an executive producer with the BBC's world-renowned Natural History Unit, based in Bristol, and with its Science Unit in London. He is author of over a hundred books on wildlife, science, travel, and conservation, including many for children. His bestseller Africa: Eye to Eye with the Unknown accompanied the popular television series presented by Sir David Attenborough. He is the recipient of many international radio and television awards, including the prestigious Prix Italia. He is a graduate of the University of London and a corporate biologist and member of the Royal Society of Biology.